University Computer Help Desk

Understanding the E-mail channel in iCampus

Students, faculty, staff, and retirees can access email via iCampus.

Before You Begin

The iCampus E-mail channel offers RedbirdMail, as well as a link to Outlook Web Access (OWA) and Vacation Autoreply.

  • RedbirdMail is the primary web-based email solution for members of Illinois State University.
  • Outlook Web App (OWA) is the web-based email and calendar solution for Exchange users.
  • Out-of-Office Email Reply allows you to set up an autoreply message for times when you will be unavailable through email, such as when you are on vacation.

RedbirdMail in iCampus

RedbirdMail is intended for most members of Illinois State. All students and retirees can use RedbirdMail. Faculty and staff can use RedbirdMail too, unless they use Exchange for email (in which case, they will use Outlook Web App).

To check email using RedbirdMail in iCampus, do the following:

  1. Go to https://iCampus.IllinoisState.edu/ and log in.
  2. Locate the E-Mail channel.
  3. Click Launch RedbirdMail.
  4. Your Inbox will load, and your email is displayed.

Outlook Web App in iCampus

Outlook Web App (OWA) is only for those who have Exchange accounts. OWA offers access to both Exchange calendar and email.

To check Exchange email or to view your Exchange calendar via iCampus, do the following:

  1. Go to https://iCampus.IllinoisState.edu/ and log in.
  2. Locate the E-Mail channel.
  3. Click Outlook Web App.
  4. You will be prompted to log in.
  5. Your Inbox will load, and your Exchange email is displayed.
    • Note that OWA is not integrated into iCampus. Performing the steps above will cause OWA to launch in a new tab (or a new window), but you are still logged in to iCampus. To go back to iCampus, go back to the original tab (or window).
  6. To view your Exchange calendar, click Calendar on the left.

Out-of-Office Email Reply in iCampus

Out-of-office email reply can be used to set up an autoreply message for times when you will be unresponsive to emails you receive, such as when you are on vacation.

This option is appropriate for all users on campus regardless of the system you use for email (IMAP or Exchange). If you are a Full Exchange member, you should also set up an automatic reply in Outlook Web App (OWA).

For more information, refer to 1130: How do I set up an out-of-office email autoreply?.